The title of this blog, was inspired by a song, that I was just listening to as I sat down to write. This song is called “Simple Ways,” by: Zaharia Zachary. It’s a jazzy, R&B like tune, that’s a worship song about getting back to what is most important. Lately, I have been really enjoying jazzy melodies that are full of soul and emotion. I love to turn on worship music and get my day started. I sometimes need the boost of energy that music offers, and it feels good to sing from the heart. To feel each lyric in my bones, as if I wrote it myself. Life can leave you speechless and sometimes a great song can correlate what you are wanting to express.
Verse 6: Let’s go back to the simple ways Let’s not make it complicated and celebrate I don’t wanna miss out on right now The way You first loved me Jesus take me right back to the simple ways.
The singer is desiring a more realistic and simpler standard in her relationship with God. As humans often do we overthink, have an unhealthy desire for control, are seeking validation, or have unrealistic expectations, and maybe a lack of focus, etc When we operate in these areas too heavily we make things complicated. The Bible has a standard for living, that we realized quickly we didn’t measure up to that standard. However, it wasn’t because we couldn’t do it but rather desired to be more than necessary. We still are not perfect, and cannot attain perfection.
“Be ye holy as I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
God expects us to live by the standard that he set for us, but he knew we would not be able to do it alone. I truly believe that was the whole point, God never wanted us to depend on our goodness, or our capabilities alone. Rather, he wanted us to depend on him and operate in who he called us to be. We are his children. To be a redeemed child of God, you must turn from sin. The turning of sin is repentance. When we repent, we confess our faults to God and one another, and then we put off the shame and guilt from our past failures.
“What does it look like to follow JESUS simply?”
I believe the first step is simply coming to him. This morning I was reading in the book of Jeremiah, and I saw the Lord pleading with the children of Israel to simply “Return to ME.” He compares his relationship to us as a husband and wife, he is our husband and he takes us back over and over again. Even when we strayed and had other lovers. This form of adultery is our sin, that separates us from God, remember he is HOLY and only can be HOLY. When we are separated from God, we become open to the attacks of enemies, our lives are less fruitful, and we carry the weight of what we have done and it weighs us down.
The Lord says, “I will not remain angry forever.” Jeremiah 3:12
The singer says, “It feels so good to breathe again, I’ve been holding on too long It’s not meant to be this heavy Cause your burden is easy.”
Sin entangles us with debt, fear, anxiety, guilt, shames, anger, hatred, jealousy, envy, famine, lies, doubts, gluttony, etc. On and on the lists of things that hinder our relationships with God. So many people desire to hear from God; to know his true existence, but their frequency has been compromised. There is just noise all around us when we find ourselves in this condition. Friend, there is a remedy!
““If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord, “Return to Me; And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, Then you shall not be moved. And you shall swear, ‘The Lord lives,’ In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; The nations shall bless themselves in Him, And in Him they shall glory.””
Jeremiah 4:1-2 NKJV
There are many mysteries in life, but one thing that is evident WE ARE LOVED by our creator! Nothing will ever satisfy the longing in our weary souls, but a relationship with Jesus. Many people are awakening to the realization, that of all the things we have gained, it all means very little. My knowledge is limited and my eyes are often led astray. However, God never takes his eyes off his beloved children. Whether you acknowledge his presence, he is there and waiting for you to return to him.
Simple Ways:
1. Pray daily
2. Read the Bible
3. Love yourself
4. Love others
5. Submit to the unknown
6. Understand God’s will
7. Seek God’s best
8. Persevere in trials and storms
9. Worship with song, dance, creativity, etc.
10. Share your life with others
I hope I was able to bless you with some encouraging words today! Happy Reading!
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